30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 8--Swimming Lessons

Here in Managua, although it is a huge city, it is often hard to find special activities for kids to do.  This was a big adjustment for us coming from the wonderful, family friendly city of Grand Rapids, where we were members at the Children's Museum, Frederick Meijer Gardens, and the Public Museum, and often frequented the zoo, PlayWorld, and our favorite parks.  Our neighborhood was so excited to find out that a guy who had almost made the US Olympic swimming team is living in Nicaragua and attends the church that meets at the kids school.  We approached him and asked him if he would consider giving the kids in our neighborhood swimming lessons, and he happily agreed to for the price of a home-cooked meal.  Our kids love "Mr. Tim." He has taught them many strokes, how to save someone who is drowning, how to stay in shape, but I think the kids favorite part is that he plays with them.  We are thankful for Mr. Tim for giving this opportunity to our kids.